New Delhi: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has reportedly shortlisted approximately 9,000 schools nationwide to participate in the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. These schools, chosen from over 2.5 lakh government institutions, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, were deemed eligible for the program based on six key parameters.
A senior MoE official said, “We have shortlisted around 9,000 schools. We are very satisfied with them and will be making an announcement regarding the names of the schools very soon.” The PM SHRI scheme is a central government initiative aimed at strengthening and developing over 14,500 schools managed by various forms of government across the country.
The selected schools were assessed on criteria such as curriculum, pedagogy and assessment; access and infrastructure; human resources – leadership; inclusive practices and gender equity; management, monitoring and governance; and beneficiary satisfaction. The PM SHRI schools will focus on delivering high-quality teaching to promote the cognitive development of students, nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with essential 21st-century skills.
However, the MoE still awaits the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) by seven states and Union Territories, including Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Jharkhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the PM SHRI scheme on September 5th last year, urging these states to come forward and ensure quality education for all students.
An MoE official explained, “In a letter to these concerned states and UTs, the Education minister has pointed out that effective implementation of this scheme will enable the depiction of all components of NEP to ensure quality education for our students and enable these PM SHRI schools to represent as exemplary schools for quality education in the country.”
With the PM SHRI scheme, the Indian government aims to create a network of exemplary educational institutions that will set new standards for quality education. As a journalist who has personally visited several government schools in the past, I can attest to the pressing need for improvements in infrastructure, teaching methods, and resources. It is my hope that the PM SHRI scheme will bring about positive change and help India’s youth achieve their full potential.